THE CLINICAL COMPASS
Small Animal Insights for Excellence in Practice
This year, we are bringing you a fresh take on our newsletter - one that delivers key takeaways and clinically relevant insights from recent publications, along with important developments in veterinary medicine across North America and Europe. Expect updates on regulatory changes, emerging trends, and the latest technological advancements shaping our field. We are excited to have you join us on this journey!
Issue #1 | February 13, 2025
In this first issue, we’re diving into some key veterinary topics:
🐱 Gabapentin’s Effect on Blood Pressure in Cats – Is this commonly used medication doing more than just reducing stress? We explore the latest findings.
🐶 Gonadectomy and CCL Disease Risk in Dogs – How does sterilization timing impact cruciate ligament disease? We break down the research.
💉 Librela Update – New labeling reflects reported adverse events—here’s what you need to know.
And because every vet deserves a smile… A donkey and a yoga ball—who knew they’d make the perfect pair? Our Tail-Wagging Tales section brings a lighthearted moment to your day!
Stay curious, stay informed, and let The Clinical Compass guide you forward.
🧭 The Clinical Compass - Issue #2 | February 27, 2025
Welcome back to The Clinical Compass! In this issue, we’re tackling some fascinating clinical insights, a potential health risk for dogs, and an incredible story from the animal world.
🐱 New Method to Stop Purring During Cardiac Auscultation – Struggling to get a clear heart sound in a purring cat? A simple yet effective method might change your approach, and improve your diagnosis.
🐶 Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Healthy Dogs with Increased ALT – How should we interpret elevated ALT in clinically healthy dogs? A recent study reviewed records across various ages and breeds to refine reference intervals and identify a threshold that better signals the need for further diagnostic investigation.
🦴 Dog Chews Under Investigation for Severe Neurological Issues
Authorities in the UK and the Netherlands have issued warnings about potential health risks linked to certain dog chews, particularly those from the Barkoo brand. Reports suggest that affected dogs have exhibited severe neurological symptoms—including panic attacks, aggression, spasms, and seizures—dubbed "werewolf syndrome." Tragically, at least 13 deaths have been reported among the 50+ suspected cases.
While the investigation is ongoing, vets should be aware of these emerging concerns and advise pet owners accordingly. Here’s what you need to know about the latest developments.
✈️ Gulliver’s Transcontinental Flight – A bird’s incredible journey against the odds proves that resilience knows no bounds.
Stay curious, stay informed, and let The Clinical Compass guide you forward.
🧭 The Clinical Compass - Issue #3 | March 13, 2025
In this issue, we're exploring key clinical insights for small animal practice:
🐱 Clopidogrel vs. Rivaroxaban for Preventing Thromboembolism Recurrence in Cats – This study compared the effectiveness of clopidogrel and rivaroxaban in preventing the recurrence of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) in cats that had recovered from cardiogenic ATE.
🐶 Chronic Coughing in Dogs – An investigation into the common causes of chronic coughing in dogs and the factors that might point to specific diagnoses.
🧬 The Hungry Gene: Why Some Labradors and People Can't Stop Eating - A look at research uncovering a genetic link between overeating and obesity in Labradors and humans.
Plus, invaluable wisdom from our esteemed speakers in our Key Insight section!
Stay curious, stay informed, and let The Clinical Compass guide you forward.
🧭 The Clinical Compass - Issue #3 | March 27, 2025
In this issue, we're exploring key clinical insights for small animal practice:
😻 Doxycycline with or without Famciclovir for Infectious Ophthalmic and Respiratory Disease in Kittens - This study evaluated the treatment of kittens with upper respiratory disease.
🪱 Thelazia callipaeda Establishing in U.S. Companion Animals - This report describes the emergence of the Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm in dogs and cats in the northeastern United States.
🤖 AI vs. Radiologists: Diagnostic Performance in Canine and Feline Radiography - This section presents a study comparing the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence (AI) radiology software to that of board-certified veterinary radiologists.
Plus, invaluable wisdom from our esteemed speakers in our Key Insight section!
Stay curious, stay informed, and let The Clinical Compass guide you forward.